U.S. patent application number 16/419383 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-05 for vapor blast system with fixed pot pressure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Graco Minnesota Inc.. Invention is credited to Brandon K. Falkenberg, Bryce J. Gapinski, Thomas C. Grau, Nicholas K. Studt, John W. Turner.
Application Number | 20190270181 16/419383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57757708 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190270181 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grau; Thomas C. ; et
al. |
September 5, 2019 |
VAPOR BLAST SYSTEM WITH FIXED POT PRESSURE
Abstract
A vapor abrasive blast system includes a pump for pumping a
water stream to a pressure vessel for pressurizing the pressure
vessel to a pot pressure. A water regulator is disposed to regulate
the water stream to a fixed water pressure, such that the water
stream entering the pressure vessel has the fixed water pressure.
The pressure vessel contains a blasting mixture, comprising an
abrasive media and water, for introduction to a compressed air
stream and application to a substrate. The water entering the
pressure vessel has the fixed water pressure to control the pot
pressure. The water regulator is configured to output the water
stream such that the fixed water pressure is greater than a
compressed air pressure in the compressed air stream.
Inventors: |
Grau; Thomas C.;
(Warminster, PA) ; Studt; Nicholas K.; (Roberts,
WI) ; Falkenberg; Brandon K.; (New Richmond, WI)
; Gapinski; Bryce J.; (Foley, MN) ; Turner; John
W.; (Coon Rapids, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Graco Minnesota Inc. |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57757708 |
Appl. No.: |
16/419383 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15745013 |
Jan 15, 2018 |
|
|
|
PCT/US2016/042585 |
Jul 15, 2016 |
|
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16419383 |
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62193235 |
Jul 16, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24C 7/0023 20130101;
B24C 7/0038 20130101; B24C 7/0084 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B24C 7/00 20060101
B24C007/00 |
Claims
1. A blasting system comprising: a pressure vessel configured to
house a blast media; a water line extending from a water source and
connected to the pressure vessel to provide water to the pressure
vessel; a water pump disposed on the water line for driving a flow
of water from the water source to the pressure vessel; a water
regulator disposed on the water line and configured to receive the
flow of water and output a pressure regulated water flow having a
regulated flow pressure, wherein a regulated flow pressure
pressurizes the pressure vessel to a pressure vessel pressure; and
a blast line configured to convey a compressed air flow at an air
pressure, wherein the compressed air flow is configured to receive
a flow of media and water from the pressure vessel; wherein the
pressure vessel pressure is greater than the air pressure.
2. The blasting system of claim 1, and further comprising: a media
line extending from the pressure vessel and configured to transport
the flow of media and water from the pressure vessel to the blast
line.
3. The blasting system of claim 1, wherein the water regulator is
located downstream of the water pump.
4. The blasting system of claim 3, wherein the regulated water
pressure is about 1.27 MPa (185 psi).
5. The blasting system of claim 1, and further comprising: a media
line valve disposed on the media line upstream of the connection of
the media line and the blast line, wherein the media line valve is
configured to shift between an open position, wherein the media and
water mixture is able to flow to the blast line, and a closed
position, wherein the media and water mixture is prevented from
flowing to the blast line.
6. The blasting system of claim 5, wherein the media line valve
comprises a pinch valve.
7. The blasting system of claim 1, and further comprising: a
selector valve disposed downstream of the water pump, wherein the
selector valve is configured direct the water flow downstream of
the selector valve.
8. The blasting system of claim 7, wherein the selector valve is
configured to direct the pressure regulated water flow to one of
the pressure vessel and an accessory line.
9. The blasting system of claim 8, wherein the water regulator is
disposed downstream of the selector valve and upstream of the
pressure vessel.
10. The blasting system of claim 7, wherein the selector valve is a
three-way valve.
11. The blasting system of claim 1, and further comprising: a
metering valve positioned downstream of the water regulator and
configured to receive the pressure regulated water flow from the
water regulator and meter a flow of the pressure regulated water
flow to the pressure vessel.
12. A method of blasting a substrate with a media, the method
comprising: regulating a water flow pressure with a water regulator
to generate a regulated water flow; pumping the regulated water
flow to a pressure vessel to pressurize the pressure vessel to a
pressure vessel pressure having a fixed pressure point; compressing
an air stream to a blast pressure and flowing the air stream
through a blast line and to a blasting apparatus, wherein the blast
pressure is within a range between a minimum blast pressure and a
maximum blast pressure; and flowing media and water from the
pressure vessel and into the air stream within the blast line and
applying the combined flow of media, water, and air to a substrate,
wherein the fixed pressure point is greater than the maximum blast
pressure.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein a pressure differential between
the fixed pressure point and the blast pressure drives the media
and water flow into the air stream.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of pumping a regulated
water flow to a pressure vessel to maintain a pressure vessel
pressure at a fixed pressure point further comprises: flowing a
water flow to a water regulator, wherein the water regulator
generates the regulated water flow; and wherein the water regulator
is disposed downstream of a water pump configured to pump the water
to the pressure vessel.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the water regulator is disposed
downstream of a selector valve configured to direct the water to
the pressure vessel.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of pumping a regulated
water flow to a pressure vessel to maintain a pressure vessel
pressure at a fixed pressure point further comprises: flowing a
system airflow through an air pressure regulator to generate a
regulated system air flow, wherein the regulated system air flow
has a maximum air pressure; flowing the regulated system airflow to
a water pump to power the water pump, wherein the maximum air
pressure is equal to a maximum water pump operating pressure.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of pumping a regulated
water flow to a pressure vessel to maintain a pressure vessel
pressure at a fixed pressure point further comprises: flowing a
system airflow through an air pressure regulator to generate a
regulated system air flow, wherein the regulated system air flow
has a fixed air pressure; flowing the regulated system airflow to a
water pump to power the water pump, wherein the fixed air pressure
causes the water pump to output the regulated water flow.
18. A vapor blast system comprising: a pressure vessel mounted to a
support structure; an enclosure mounted to the support structure,
wherein the enclosure is configured to receive a flow of compressed
air from a compressed air source, to receive a flow of water from a
water source and to provide a regulated water flow to the pressure
vessel, to receive a combined flow of media and water from the
pressure vessel, and to output a combined flow of compressed air,
water, and media; and a water regulator disposed within the
enclosure and configured to generate the regulated water flow;
wherein a regulated water flow pressure maintains a pressure vessel
pressure above a compressed air pressure such that a pressure
differential between the pressure vessel pressure and the
compressed air pressure drives the combined flow of media and water
into the flow of compressed air to generate the combined flow of
compressed air, water, and media.
19. The vapor blast system of claim 18, wherein the enclosure
further comprises: a housing mounted to the frame; a compressed air
line extending into a first side of the housing; a blast pressure
regulator disposed on the compressed air line within the housing; a
blast line extending from the blast pressure regulator and exiting
the housing through a blast media outlet extending through the
first side; a blast control line extending from the blast pressure
regulator and connected to a control valve, wherein the blast
control line controls the blast pressure regulator between a closed
position, wherein compressed air is prevented from entering the
blast line, and an open position, wherein compressed air is able to
enter the blast line; a pump control line extending from the
control valve and connected to a water pump, and configured to
power the water pump; a water inlet line extending to the water
pump and configured to provide a flow of water to the water pump; a
pressurization line extending from a water pump outlet and
configured to provide the regulated water flow to the pressure
vessel; a blast media inlet extending into the enclosure and
configured to receive a media hose extending from the pressure
vessel; and a flow hose extending from the blast media inlet and
intersecting the blast line, wherein the flow hose provides the
combined flow of media and water to the blast line to generate the
combined flow of compressed air, media, and water; wherein the
water regulator is disposed on the pressurization line between the
water pump and the pressure vessel, such that the water regulator
receives a pump outlet water flow from the water pump and generates
the regulated water flow.
20. The vapor blast system of claim 19, and further comprising: a
flow valve disposed on the flow hose and configured to actuate
between a first position, wherein the flow hose is open, and a
second position, wherein the flow hose is closed; and wherein
actuating the flow valve to the second position causes the water
regulator to close, thereby returning the pressure vessel pressure
to the fixed point.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/745,013 filed Jan. 15, 2018 for "VAPOR BLAST SYSTEM WITH
FIXED POT PRESSURE" by T. C. Gracu, N. K. Studt, B. K. Falkenberg,
B. J. Gapinski and J. W. Turner, which in turn claims the benefit
of International PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/042585 filed Jul.
15, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/193,235 filed on Jul. 16, 2015, and entitled "Vapor Blast System
with Fixed Pot Pressure Setting."
BACKGROUND
[0002] Blasting systems in the surface preparation industry
generally use dry, wet, slurry, vapor abrasive, or ultra-high
pressure water blast technologies to remove dirt, paint, or rust
from a substrate. Vapor blast systems use a mixture of air, water,
and an abrasive media--such as garnet or walnut shells--to provide
the desired surface treatment. Vapor blast systems often include a
pump and a pressure vessel containing an abrasive media having a
density greater than water. Pumping water to the pressure pot
pressurizes it and allows the abrasive media and water to mix. The
pressurized media and water mixture is then plumbed into a conduit
of a high flowing air stream to mix the two streams before
expelling the mixture from a hose and nozzle. To ensure that the
media and water mixture can be injected into the high flowing air
stream, the pressure inside the pressure pot must be higher than
the pressure in the air stream. Existing designs need the user to
set the pressure in the air stream and to set the pressure in the
pressure pot. Users typically set a desired air stream pressure and
then have to set the pressure pot pressure. If the differential is
too low, there will be no influx of the media and water mixture
into the air stream, or there could be a backflux of air into the
pressure pot.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a blasting system
includes a pressure vessel, a water line extending from a water
source and connected to the pressure vessel, a water pump disposed
on the water line, a water regulator disposed on the water line,
and a blast line. The pressure vessel is configured to house a
blast media and water mixture. The water line provides water to the
pressure vessel. The water pump drives a flow of water from the
water source to the pressure vessel. The water regulator is
configured to receive the flow of water and to output a pressure
regulated water flow having a regulated flow pressure. The
regulated flow pressure pressurizes the pressure vessel to a
pressure vessel pressure. The blast line conveys a compressed air
flow at an air pressure, and the compressed air flow is configured
to receive a flow of the media and water mixture from the pressure
vessel. The pressure vessel pressure is greater than the air
pressure.
[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of
blasting a substrate with a media includes regulating a water flow
pressure with a water regulator to generate a regulated water flow,
pumping the regulated water flow to a pressure vessel to pressurize
the pressure vessel to a pressure vessel pressure having a fixed
pressure point, compressing an air stream to a blast pressure and
flowing the air stream through a blast line and to a blasting
apparatus, and flowing media and water from the pressure vessel and
into the air stream within the blast line and applying the combined
flow of media, water, and air to a substrate. The blast pressure is
within a range between a minimum blast pressure and a maximum blast
pressure. The fixed pressure point is greater than the maximum
blast pressure.
[0005] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a vapor
blast assembly includes a pressure vessel mounted to a support
structure, an enclosure mounted to the support structure, and a
water regulator disposed within the enclosure and configured to
generate a regulated water flow. The enclosure is configured to
receive a flow of compressed air from a compressed air source, to
receive a flow of water from a water source and to provide the
regulated water flow to the pressure vessel, to receive a combined
flow of media and water from the pressure vessel, and to output a
combined flow of compressed air, water, and media. A regulated
water flow pressure maintains a pressure vessel pressure above a
compressed air pressure such that a pressure differential between
the pressure vessel pressure and the compressed air pressure drives
the combined flow of media and water into the flow of compressed
air to generate the combined flow of compressed air, water, and
media.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vapor blast system.
[0007] FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of a vapor blast
assembly.
[0008] FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of the vapor blast
assembly of FIG. 2A.
[0009] FIG. 3A is a hose side facing isometric view of an
enclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3B is a control side facing isometric view of the
enclosure of FIG. 3A.
[0011] FIG. 3C is a schematic view showing tubing connections
within the enclosure of FIG. 3A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of vapor blast system 10. Vapor
blast system 10 includes compressor 12, air supply line 14, system
line 16, manifold line 18, water pump 20, water regulator 22, water
inlet line 24, pumped water line 26, selector valve 28,
pressurizing line 30, accessory line 32, pressure vessel 34, media
line 36, blast line 38, and applicator 40.
[0013] Air supply line 14 extends from compressor 12 and receives
compressed air from compressor 12. System line 16 extends from air
supply line 14 and to water pump 20 to provide compressed air to
water pump 20 to power water pump 20. Manifold line 18 extends from
air supply line 14 and to blast line 38. Blast line 38 extends from
manifold line 18 and to applicator 40. Water inlet line 24 is
connected to water pump 20. Water pump 20 is also connected to
pumped water line 26 and drives water downstream through water
regulator 22 and pumped water line 26. Water regulator 22 is
connected to pumped water line 26, and pumped water line 26 extends
to selector valve 28. Pressurizing line 30 and accessory line 32
extend from selector valve 28. Accessory line 32 extends to an
accessory, such as a rinse hose. Pressurizing line 30 extends from
pumped water line 26 and to pressure vessel 34. Media line 36
extends from pressure vessel 34 and intersects manifold line
18.
[0014] Pressure vessel 34 contains a blast mixture, comprised of
media and water, which is applied to a substrate to remove a
coating from the substrate and to condition the substrate for
future coating applications. The media may be of any suitably
abrasive material such as walnut shells, crushed glass, garnet, or
any other heavier-than-water particulate, and may be applied to any
desired substrate, such as wood, concrete, and steel, to clean the
substrate. Compressor 12 provides compressed air to air supply line
14. A blasting air portion of the compressed air flows through
manifold line 18, downstream past the intersection of manifold line
18 and media line 36, and through blast line 38 to applicator 40. A
system air portion of the compressed air flows through system line
16 and is provided to water pump 20. The system air portion of the
compressed air flows through system line 16 and to water pump 20 to
power water pump 20. Water pump 20 draws water from a water source
(not shown) through water inlet line 24 and drives the pumped water
flow downstream through pumped water line 26. The pumped water is
driven through water regulator 22 and continues downstream through
pumped water line 26 and to selector valve 28. While water
regulator 22 is shown downstream of water pump 20, it is understood
that water regulator 22 may be at any desired position downstream
of water pump 20 and before pressure vessel 34, such as on pumped
water line 26 between water pump 20 and selector valve 28 or on
pressurizing line 30 downstream of selector valve 28.
[0015] Water regulator 22 regulates a water pressure of any water
pumped downstream of water pump 20 through water regulator 22. As
such, water pump 20 draws water through water inlet line 24 and
pumps the pumped water downstream at a pumped water pressure higher
than a maximum blast air pressure required for vapor blast system
10 operation. Water regulator 22 generates a regulated water flow,
having a fixed water pressure, such that a pressure downstream of
water regulator 22 is fixed. The regulated water flow flows
downstream from water regulator 22 through pumped water line 26 and
to selector valve 28. Selector valve 28 directs the regulated water
to pressurizing line 30 and accessory line 32. Accessory line 32
provides the regulated water to an accessory, such as a rinse hose.
Pressurizing line 30 provides the regulated water to pressure
vessel 34.
[0016] The regulated water enters pressure vessel 34 through
pressurizing line 30. Because the regulated water has the fixed
water pressure flowing the regulated water to pressure vessel
maintains a fixed pot pressure within pressure vessel 34. When
applicator 40 is triggered, the blast mixture disposed within
pressure vessel 34 exits pressure vessel 34 through media line 36,
and flows through media line 36 to manifold line 18. When
applicator 40 is triggered, the blast mixture enters manifold line
18 through media line 36 and is combined with the blast air portion
in manifold line 18 to generate an applicator flow. The blast air
portion carries the blast mixture downstream to blast line 38, and
downstream through blast line 38 to applicator 40. The applicator
flow is then accelerated through applicator 40, such as by flowing
the mixture through a nozzle, and applied to a substrate. The media
impacts the substrate and is configured to remove material, such as
paint, from the substrate and to condition the substrate for
subsequent application of material to the substrate.
[0017] During operation, media and water are loaded into pressure
vessel 34 to generate the blast mixture, and pressure vessel 34 is
sealed. Compressor 12 is activated, and the system portion of
compressed air flows to water pump 20 through system line 16 to
power water pump 20. With water pump 20 powered, water pump 20
drives the pumped water downstream through pumped water line 26 and
water regulator 22, and water regulator 22 outputs the regulated
water flow. The regulated water flow flows downstream to selector
valve 28, and selector valve 28 directs the regulated water flow
through pressurizing line 30 and into pressure vessel 34. Because
the regulated water flow has a fixed water pressure, the fixed
water pressure pressurizes pressure vessel 34 to a fixed pot
pressure, with the fixed pot pressure being controlled by the fixed
water pressure.
[0018] With pressure vessel 34 loaded and pressurized, applicator
40 is triggered and air supply line 14 is able to provide the blast
air portion of compressed air to manifold line 18. Because the
fixed pot pressure is greater than the maximum blast air pressure,
the blast mixture exits pressure vessel 34 through media line 36
and flows to manifold line 18. In addition to opening air supply
line 14, triggering applicator 40 causes media line 36 to open such
that the blast mixture may flow from pressure vessel 34 and to
manifold line 18 through media line 36. A pressure differential
between the blast air portion flowing through manifold line 18 and
the fixed pot pressure causes the media and water mixture to flow
from pressure vessel 34 and into manifold line 18. To ensure that
vapor blast system 10 operates correctly, the pressure differential
must be maintained such that the fixed pot pressure is higher than
the blast air pressure. If the pot pressure is below the blast air
pressure, then the blast mixture would be prevented from entering
manifold line 18 due to the higher blast air pressure. When
applicator 40 is applying the blast mixture, the regulated water
continues to flow to pressure vessel 34 to maintain a pot pressure
above the blast air pressure. With applicator 40 triggered, the pot
pressure will drop to a level proximate the blast air pressure, but
the regulated water continues to flow to pressure vessel 34 to
replace the blast mixture flowing out of pressure vessel 34 and to
continue pressurizing pressure vessel 34. As such, the regulated
water maintains the pot pressure higher than the blast air pressure
regardless of the level that the blast air pressure is set.
[0019] When applicator 40 is deactivated, the blast air portion is
prevented from flowing to manifold line 18 and the blast mixture is
also prevented from flowing to manifold line 18. With media line 36
closed and water pump 20 continuing to pump water, the pot pressure
rises to the fixed pot pressure, because water regulator 22
continues to supply the regulated water to pressure vessel 34. Once
the pot pressure reaches the fixed pot pressure, the pressure
downstream of water regulator 22 will cause internal components of
water regulator 22 to shift to prevent the pot pressure from
continuing to rise. Water regulator will then allow additional flow
when the pot pressure drops due to applicator 40 being
triggered.
[0020] Water regulator 22 maintains the fixed pot pressure higher
than the maximum blast air pressure. In addition, water regulator
22 maintains the pot pressure greater than the operational blast
air pressure during operation. Water regulator 22 may be set to
output regulated water at a fixed water pressure point, dependent
on the dimensions and particular arrangement of the components of
vapor blast system 10, such that the fixed water pressure point is
always higher than the maximum blast air pressure. More
specifically, water regulator 22 is configured to maintain the
fixed pot pressure safely above the maximum blast air pressure, and
to maintain the pot pressure above the blast air pressure during
operation. In this way, water regulator 22 thereby ensures that the
pressure differential causes the blast mixture to flow into
manifold line 18 from pressure vessel 34.
[0021] Water regulator 22 maintaining the fixed pot pressure
provides significant advantages. Utilizing water regulator 22
eliminates a step in the setup process, whereby the user was
required to set the pot pressure and compare the pot pressure
against the blast air pressure to discern whether the differential
was sufficient. Water regulator 22 instead ensures that the pot
pressure will be sufficiently high for vapor blast system 10
operation, thereby allowing the user to set the desired blast air
pressure without being concerned about the pot pressure and
eliminating potential user error and a time-consuming step.
Moreover, positioning water regulator 22 downstream of water pump
20 further eliminates user misconceptions, as water regulator 22
will dampen any pressure fluctuations that may occur due to water
pump 20 changing stroke or the inherent differential between an
upstroke and a downstroke. As such, water regulator 22 further
provides a consistent blast mixture flow, because the pot pressure
will be maintained at a steady pressure throughout the blasting
process. Providing a steady blast mixture flow increases the
consistency of the blast pattern, which improves the consistency of
the surface finish created by the media blasting on the substrate.
Water regulator 22 also thereby eliminates misconceptions of poor
blasting performance due to the user observing natural fluctuations
in the pot pressure and interpreting the fluctuations as
malfunctions or errors. Instead, water regulator 22 maintains the
pot pressure at a steady pressure relative to the blast pressure
during blasting, and at the fixed pot pressure when vapor blast
system 10 idles.
[0022] FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of vapor blast system 10.
FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of vapor blast system 10. FIGS.
2A and 2B are substantially similar and will be discussed together.
Vapor blast system 10 includes air supply line 14, water inlet line
24, pressure vessel 34, media line 36, blast line 38, frame 42,
enclosure 44, and pot pressure gauge 46. Pressure vessel 34
includes pressure pot 48 and fill inlet 50. Pressure pot 48
includes media outlet port 52. Enclosure 44 includes first side 54,
second side 56, front 58, back 60, top 62, and bottom 64. Vapor
blast system 10 further includes selector valve 28, air inlet port
66, blast outlet port 68, control ports 70a and 70b, media inlet
port 72, disconnect 74, blast air control 76, blast pressure gauge
78, inlet air pressure gauge 80, accessory outlet port 82, water
inlet port 84, control line 86a and control line 86b.
[0023] Pressure vessel 34 and enclosure 44 are mounted to frame 42.
Fill inlet 50 extends from a top of pressure pot 48. Media inlet
port 72 extends into enclosure 44 and is configured to receive a
blast mixture flow from media line 36. Media line 36 extends
between media outlet port 52 and media inlet port 72 and connects
pressure vessel 34 and enclosure 44. Pot pressure gauge 46 is
disposed between pressure vessel 34 and enclosure 44, and the
regulated water flows through pot pressure gauge 46 between
enclosure 44 and pressure vessel 34. Air supply line 14 is
connected to air inlet port 66 to provide compressed air to
enclosure 44. Air inlet port 66 extends through first side 54 of
enclosure 44. Inlet air pressure gauge 80 extends through first
side 54 of enclosure 44 and is configured to provide a reading of
the inlet air pressure entering enclosure 44 through air inlet port
66. Blast line 38 is connected to blast outlet port 68, which
extends from first side 54 of enclosure, and is configured to
receive an applicator flow from enclosure 44. Accessory outlet port
82 extends from back 60 of enclosure 44 and is configured to
receive an accessory hose. Water inlet port 84 extends from bottom
64 of enclosure 44, and water inlet line 24 connects to water inlet
port 84.
[0024] Control ports 70a and 70b extend from first side 54 of
enclosure 44. Control line 86a extends from control port 70a, and
control line 86b extends from control port 70b. Control line 86a
and control line 86b extend to applicator 40 (shown in FIG. 1) and
are normally disconnected. When applicator 40 is triggered, control
line 86a is connected to control line 86b to provide compressed air
from control line 86a to control line 86b and back to enclosure 44
to actuate vapor blast system 10 between an active state and an
idle state. Selector valve 28 extends into second side 56 of
enclosure 44 and is configured to direct a regulated water flow
through enclosure 44. Disconnect 74 extends through second side 56
of enclosure 44 and is connected to pneumatic lines disposed within
enclosure 44. Disconnect 74 is a knob that is configured to be
extended during operation, and may be depressed to disconnect the
compressed air flow through enclosure 44, thereby deactivating
vapor blast system 10. Blast air control 76 extends through second
side 56 of enclosure 44 and is connected to pneumatic lines
disposed within enclosure 44 to control the blast air pressure.
Blast pressure gauge 78 extends through second side 56 of enclosure
44 and provides a blast air pressure reading to the user.
[0025] Pressure pot 48 of pressure vessel 34 is filled with a media
and water through fill inlet 50. Air supply line 14 is connected to
air inlet port 66 and provides compressed air to the pneumatic
lines (shown in FIG. 3C) disposed within enclosure 44. The
compressed air enters enclosure 44, and blast air control 76 is
utilized to control a blast air portion flow between air inlet port
66 and blast outlet port 68. Before activating vapor blast system
10, the user pulls disconnect 74 to the disengaged position. With
disconnect 74 disengaged, the system air portion is able to flow to
and power water pump 20 (best seen in FIGS. 3A-3C). Triggering
applicator 40 connects control line 86a extending from control port
70a with control line 86b extending from control port 70b, and
control line 86a and control line 86b cause both air supply line 14
and media line 36 to open such that both compressed air and media
flow to and through enclosure 44.
[0026] Water pump 20 pulls water into enclosure 44 through water
inlet line 24 and water inlet port 84. Water pump 20 drives the
water downstream through water regulator 22 (best seen in FIGS.
3A-3C), and water regulator 22 discharges regulated water at a
fixed water pressure. The regulated water flows through selector
valve 28, which the user sets to direct the regulated water to
either pot pressure gauge 46 and then on to pressure pot 48, or to
accessory outlet port 82. With vapor blast system 10 in a blast
mode, the selector valve 28 is set to direct the regulated water
through pot pressure gauge 46 and to pressure pot 48. The regulated
water has the fixed water pressure and flows to pressure pot 48 to
pressurize pressure pot 48 to a fixed pot pressure.
[0027] Pressure pot 48 is initially charged to the fixed pot
pressure. The regulated water flows into pressure pot 48 through
pot pressure gauge 46, and pot pressure gauge 46 provides a pot
pressure reading to the user. The regulated water pressurizes
pressure pot 48 to the fixed pot pressure, at a level configured to
be above a maximum blast air pressure. The pot pressure reading
indicates to the user that pressure pot 48 is pressurized for
blasting. While the fixed water pressure is described as being
fixed above a maximum blast air pressure, it is understood that
water regulator 22 may be set such that any desired fixed water
pressure is provided downstream of water regulator 22. As such,
while water regulator 22 is generally set to provide the fixed
water pressure prior to a user receiving vapor blast system 10, it
is understood that water regulator 22 may be configured to be
either fixed before user operation or adjustable by the user.
[0028] With media line 36 and manifold line 18 (best seen in FIGS.
3A-3C) open, the pot pressure drops from the fixed pot pressure to
a level proximate, though still above, the blast air pressure. A
pressure differential between the blast air pressure and the pot
pressure causes the blast mixture to flow out of pressure pot 48
through media outlet port 52 and into media line 36. The pressure
differential further causes the blast mixture to enter enclosure 44
through media inlet port 72, and to flow into manifold line 18 to
combine with the blast air portion and form the applicator flow.
The applicator flow exits enclosure 44 through blast outlet port 68
and flows through blast line 38 to applicator 40, where the
applicator flow is applied to a substrate. During operation, pot
pressure gauge 46 will indicate to the user that the pot pressure
has dropped below the fixed pot pressure, but the pot pressure
reading will also indicate that the pot pressure is being
maintained at a level proximate, but still above, the blast air
pressure, which is set by the user.
[0029] Water regulator 22 maintains the regulated water flow
throughout the blast process. The regulated water flows to pressure
pot 46 and maintains the pot pressure above the blast air pressure.
Maintaining the pot pressure above the blast air pressure ensures a
consistent flow of blast mixture to applicator 40. In addition, the
regulated water flow returns the pot pressure to the fixed pot
pressure when applicator 40 is deactivated such that vapor blast
system 10 is idling. With applicator 40 deactivated, the regulated
water flow maintains the pot pressure at the fixed pot pressure,
preferably above a maximum blast air pressure, which ensures that
the blast mixture will flow to manifold line 18 and downstream
through blast line 38 regardless of the blast air pressure set by
the user.
[0030] FIG. 3A is a hose side facing front isometric view of
enclosure 44. FIG. 3B is a control side facing front isometric view
of enclosure 44. FIG. 3C is a schematic view showing tubing
connections within enclosure 44. Enclosure 44 includes first side
54, second side 56, front 58, back 60, top 62, and bottom 64. A
pneumatic portion includes air supply line 14, system line 16, air
inlet port 66, control ports 70a and 70b, disconnect 74, blast air
control 76, blast pressure gauge 78, inlet air pressure gauge 80,
air regulator 88, filter 90, pump control line 92, control line
86a, control line 86b, control valve 94, air regulator line 96,
blast pressure gauge line 98, inlet pressure gauge line 100, and
flow valve line 102. A hydraulic portion includes water pump 20,
water regulator 22, water inlet line 24, pumped water line 26,
selector valve 28, pressurizing lines 30, accessory line 32,
accessory outlet port 82, water inlet port 84, needle valves 104,
pot supply outlet ports 106, and wash line 112. Water pump 20
includes pump inlet 108 and pump outlet 110. A blast portion
includes manifold line 18, media line 36, blast line 38, blast
outlet port 68, media inlet port 72, and valve 114. Media line 36
includes conveying hose 116 and flow hose 118.
[0031] Air inlet port 66 extends through first side 54 of enclosure
44 and is connected to air supply line 14. Air supply line 14
extends to air regulator 88, through which compressed air flows.
Manifold line 18 extends from air regulator 88 and to blast outlet
port 68, and blast outlet port 68 extends through first side 54 of
enclosure 44. Blast line 38 extends from blast outlet port 68 and
to applicator 40 (shown in FIG. 1). System line 16 is connected to
and extends from air supply line 14 upstream of air regulator 88.
System line 16 extends to filter 90, to disconnect 74, to pump
control line 92, and to control valve 94. Pump control line 92
extends from system line 16 upstream of control valve 94 and to
water pump 20. Pump control line 92 conveys a part of the system
air portion to water pump 20 to power water pump 20.
[0032] Control line 86a extends from pump control line 92 and to
control port 70a. Control line 86a extends outside of enclosure 44
from control port 70a and to applicator 40. Control line 86b
extends from control valve 94 and to control port 70b. Similar to
control line 86a, control line 86b also extends outside of
enclosure 44 from control port 70b to applicator 40. Triggering
applicator 40 connects control line 86a and control line 86b such
that the system air portion may flow through control line 86a, to
control line 86b, and to control valve 94 to actuate control valve
94 based on a trigger position.
[0033] Flow valve line 102 extends from control valve 94 and to
flow valve 114. Air regulator line 96 extends from control valve 94
and to air regulator 88. Blast air control 76 is connected to air
regulator line 96 and is configured to control the air flow to air
regulator 88 through air regulator line 96, to thereby control the
volume and pressure of the blast air portion allowed to flow
downstream through air regulator 88. With both flow valve line 102
and air regulator line 96 attached to control valve 94, triggering
applicator 40 causes control valve 94 shift between a first
position and a second position to control an airflow through flow
valve line 102 and air regulator line 96. For example, with
applicator 40 not triggered, control valve 94 may direct air
through flow valve line 102 to flow valve 114, thereby actuating
flow valve 114 to the closed position. At the same time, control
valve 94 prevents air from flowing through air regulator line 96,
thereby maintaining air regulator 88 in a normally closed position.
When applicator 40 is triggered, air is directed through air
regulator line 96 and prevented from flowing through flow valve
line 102, and as such, air regulator 88 is opened by the airflow
through air regulator line 96 and flow valve 114 is opened because
flow valve line 102 is depressurized.
[0034] Water inlet port 84 extends through bottom 64 of enclosure
44. Water inlet port 84 receives water inlet line 24 at pump inlet
108, and pumped water line 26 extends from pump outlet 110 and
downstream to selector valve 28. Water regulator 22 is disposed on
pumped water line 26 between water pump 20 and selector valve 28.
While water regulator 22 is described as disposed between water
pump 20 and selector valve 28, it is understood that water
regulator may be placed at any desired location downstream of water
pump 20 and upstream of pressure vessel 34, such as on pumped water
line 26 or pressurizing lines 30.
[0035] Accessory line 32 extends from selector valve 28 and to
accessory outlet port 82. Pressurizing lines 30 extends from
selector valve 28 and to needle valves 104, and pressurizing lines
30 extends from needle valves 104 and to pot supply outlet ports
106. Wash line 112 extends from selector valve 28 to media inlet
port 72. While two pressurizing lines 30 are shown, it is
understood that vapor blast system 10 may include as few or as many
pressurizing lines 30 for conveying regulated water to pressure
vessel 34 (best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B). Pressurizing lines 30
extend through needle valves 104, and needle valves 104 control a
regulated water flow into pressure vessel 34. As such, needle
valves 104 are utilized to control the flow of regulated water into
pressure vessel 34 thereby controlling a blast mixture flow out of
pressure vessel 34. Therefore, while water regulator 20 controls a
water pressure of the regulated water, needle valves 104 control a
flow of the regulated water.
[0036] Media inlet port 72 extends through bottom 64 of enclosure
44. Manifold line 18 extends from air regulator 88 and to blast
outlet port 68, and blast outlet port 68 extends through first side
54 of enclosure 44, similar to air inlet port 66. Blast line 38
extends from blast outlet port 68 and to applicator 40. Media line
36 extends from pressure vessel 34, through media inlet port 72,
and to manifold line 18 to provide a blast mixture to manifold line
18 to generate an applicator flow comprised of compressed air,
media, and water. More specifically, conveying hose 116 extends
from pressure pot 48 and to media inlet port 72, and flow hose 118
extends from media inlet port 72 and to manifold line 18. Flow
valve 114 is configured to the blast mixture flow through flow hose
118, such that the blast mixture flow is prevented from entering
manifold line 18 when flow valve 114 is in a first position and the
blast mixture flow flows to manifold line 18 when flow valve 114 is
in a second position. For example, flow valve 114 may be a pinch
valve and flow hose 118 may be a pinch hose, such that in the first
position flow valve 114 compressed flow hose 118 to close any flow
opening through flow hose 118, and in the second position flow
valve 114 disengages from flow hose 118 to allow the blast mixture
flow through flow hose 118.
[0037] Pressure vessel 34 is loaded with a supply of media and
water by a user, thereby generating the blast mixture. The user
disengages disconnect 74, thereby permitting the system air portion
to flow through system line 16 between air supply line 14 and
control valve 94. Compressor 12 (shown in FIG. 1) provides a
compressed air flow to air regulator 88 through air inlet port 66
and air supply line 14. Air regulator 88 controls a compressed air
flow through blast line 38, and is configured to be positionable at
any desired position between a closed position, fully preventing
compressed air from flowing through air regulator 88, and an open
position, allowing a maximum blast air pressure through air
regulator 88. When the compressor 12 is activated, the system air
portion is provided through system line 16 regardless of the
position of air regulator 88.
[0038] The system air portion flows to control valve 94 and to
control line 86a. The system air portion is also provided through
pump control line 92 to power water pump 20, such that pumped water
is provided downstream of water pump 20 whenever compressor 12 is
activated, regardless of if applicator 40 is triggered. The system
portion also flows through control line 86a and to applicator 40.
Before applicator 40 is triggered, a part of the system air portion
flows into control valve 94 through system line 16. The part of the
system air portion provided to control valve 94 through system line
16 is directed to either flow valve line 102 to shift flow valve
114 to the first position where metering hose 118 is closed, or air
regulator line 96 to shift air regulator 88 to an open position to
allow the blast air portion to flow to manifold line 18. With
control line 86a disconnected from control line 86b, the part of
the system air portion is directed to flow valve line 102, such
that both flow valve 114 and air regulator 88 are closed.
[0039] With flow valve 114 and air regulator 88 closed, water pump
20 continues to drive water downstream through pumped water line 26
and to water regulator 22 to generate the regulated water. The
regulated water is provided to pressure vessel 34 through
pressurizing lines 30 to pressurize pressure vessel 34 to the fixed
pot pressure, which is controlled by the fixed water pressure of
the regulated water. The regulated water maintains the pot pressure
at the fixed pot pressure whenever compressor 12 is activated and
flow valve 114 is closed.
[0040] When applicator 40 is triggered, control line 86a is
connected to control line 86b such that compressed air is provided
to control valve 94 through control line 86b. The compressed air
flowing through control line 86b actuates control valve 94 such
that compressed air may flow through air regulator line 96 and
actuate air regulator 88 to an open position such that compressed
air may flow to blast line 38 through air regulator 88. At the same
time, control valve 94 shifting prevents compressed air from
flowing to flow valve 114 through flow valve line 102. As such, the
pressure maintaining flow valve 114 in the first position is
relieved, and the blast mixture is allowed to flow through flow
hose 118.
[0041] Blast pressure gauge 78 is connected to air regulator 88 by
blast gauge line 98, and blast pressure gauge 78 provides the user
with a blast air pressure reading. Blast air control 76 allows a
user to adjust the air provided through air regulator line 96, such
that the blast air portion allowed through air regulator 88 is set
by the user. With air regulator 88 opened, the blast air portion is
able to flow downstream through air regulator 88 and to manifold
line 18.
[0042] With both flow valve 114 and air regulator 88 open, the
blast mixture is combined with the blast air portion in manifold
line 18. The combined blast mixture and blast air portion are
provided to blast line 38 and downstream to applicator 40 to be
applied to a substrate. With flow valve 114 open, the blast mixture
flows out of pressure vessel 34 and water pump 20 drives water into
pressure vessel 34 to replace the blast mixture flowing out of
pressure vessel 34. The blast mixture flowing to manifold line 18
causes the pot pressure to drop below the fixed pot pressure. Water
regulator 22 is configured to output regulated water having the
fixed water pressure, and the regulated water flows downstream from
water regulator 22, through pumped water line 26, to selector valve
28, and through pressurizing lines 30 and needle valves 104 and to
pressure vessel 34. The regulated water maintains the pot pressure
at a level proximate, but still above, the blast air pressure. As
such, the user will notice that the pot pressure has dropped, but
that the pot pressure is maintained at a steady level relative to
the blast air pressure, such that a differential between the pot
pressure and the blast air pressure drives the blast mixture
through media line 36 and to manifold line 18.
[0043] Water regulator 22 regulates the regulated water pressure to
maintain the pot pressure at a level greater than the blast air
pressure throughout the vapor blast process. For example, water
regulator 22 may include internal components, such as a diaphragm
and poppet valve, configured to shift along with the upstream to
downstream pressure differential about water regulator 22, to allow
the regulated water to flow through water regulator 22 to control
the pot pressure. By controlling the pot pressure such that the pot
pressure is always greater than the blast air pressure, water
regulator 22 eliminates any need for the user to set the pot
pressure and ensures that the pot pressure is always safely above
the blast air pressure. As such, water regulator 22 ensures that
the blast mixture will always flow into manifold line 18 to combine
with the blast air portion.
[0044] Disengaging the trigger on applicator 40 disconnects control
line 86a from control line 86b, thereby disconnecting the airflow
to control valve 94. With the airflow to selector valve 28 through
control line 86b shut off, air is prevented from flowing through
air regulator line 96 and is directed through flow valve line 102.
Flow valve 114 thus closes, preventing the blast mixture flow
through flow hose 118. Closing flow hose 118 causes the pot
pressure to rise within pressure vessel 34 and thus in pressurizing
lines 30 and pumped water line 26. The pot pressure continues to
rise until the pot pressure reaches the fixed pot pressure, which
then causes water regulator 22 to cut off any additional water flow
through water regulator 22, thereby ensuring that the fixed pot
pressure is maintained at the fixed water pressure. When flow valve
114 shifts to the open position, the blast mixture exits pressure
vessel 34 leading to a drop in the pot pressure, and the drop in
the pot pressure causes water regulator 22 to allow additional
water to flow to pressure vessel 34 to maintain the pot pressure
above the blast air pressure. While water regulator 22 maintains
the fixed pot pressure above the maximum blast air pressure, it is
understood that the pot pressure may drop below the maximum blast
air pressure during operation, but water regulator 22 ensures that
the pot pressure is always above the blast air pressure actually
utilized during blasting.
[0045] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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